Review: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief

Author: Markus Zusak

Publication Date: March 14th, 2006

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Genre: YA/Historical Fiction

---

Synopsis:

It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery.... Narrated by Death, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a young foster girl living outside of Munich in Nazi Germany. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist – books. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library, wherever they are to be found. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, Liesel learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids, as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.

My Thoughts: I opened up this book with absolutely no idea what I was about to read. I never even read the synopsis. I picked it up at the library because it's on the top 100 YA books list I'm working on. Well I can say for sure that it earned it's place on the list by all means. This book blew me away.

The whole story had this very poetic feeling to it. The style of narration was incredibly beautiful, unique, insightful, and moving. I felt like the doors to my mind, heart and soul were being opened throughout the course of the story. This book is definitely one of the most touching, emotional stories I have ever read in my life. I feel as though I will carry it with me for a very long time.

Every character in this story was so vibrant, and pulsating with vitality. Their personalities leaped off the pages and smacked you in the face. I became immensely attached to the main character, Liesel and I'm sure that's what Zusak was aiming for because it makes the story that much more riveting and captivating. I think also, that having such a love of books helped me to bond with her as well, as I'm su re it would with any book lovers and avid readers.  Markus Zusak has an amazing talent for writing. One that rivals most I would say. This is the first book I've ever read by him but it definitely won't be the last.

The story is so unique in every single way. His use of words is mesmerizing, they create this world that feels so real and you get so wrapped up in it. The story is narrated by "death", what we would think of as the grim reaper. If that isn't a unique way of telling a story then I don't know what is. It might sound strange, but he worked it amazingly.  It's a story within the events of the holocaust that sheds so much different light on it. While it was never over descriptive in it's more darker events, it was still so devastating at times. There were times I had to stop and give myself a minute, and a lot of times I could not stop myself from crying.


One of the most beautiful stories I have ever read. Hopefully it won't be the last time I read it. I need to buy a copy for my shelf so I can more easily share it with others. I recommend this book whole-heartedly to absolutely everyone. This book will surprise you and amaze you. Do yourself a favor and go read it.

Review: The Diviners by Libba Bray

The Diviners
(The Diviners #1)

Author: Libba Bray

Publication Date: September 18th 2012

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre: Historical Fiction / Paranormal

---

Synopsis:

Evie O'Neill has been exiled from her boring old hometown and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City--and she is pos-i-toot-ly thrilled. New York is the city of speakeasies, shopping, and movie palaces! Soon enough, Evie is running with glamorous Ziegfield girls and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is Evie has to live with her Uncle Will, curator of The Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult--also known as "The Museum of the Creepy Crawlies." When a rash of occult-based murders comes to light, Evie and her uncle are right in the thick of the investigation. And through it all, Evie has a secret: a mysterious power that could help catch the killer--if he doesn't catch her first.

My Thoughts: This was my first Libba Bray book and I have to just say, it was great! There were a lot of characters in the book, but once I figured out who was who, it easy to follow along. This book is based in the 1920's and was actually my first historical fiction taking place in this era. I really enjoyed it. I felt like my mind was in the 1920's the whole time that I was reading. Libba Bray does and excellent job setting the background and tone of the book. While I really liked this book, I wasn't attached to it to the point  that I was unable to put it down, it actually took me a week of picking it up multiple times to finish it (although I did have a very busy week, so that could be it too!). It was fairly easy to pick up on where I was left off and get back into the mindset of the era.

As I said, there are multiple characters in The Diviners. My favorites would have to be Evie (of course), Theta, Sam and Jericho. Evie was a character that I liked right away. I loved her snark and attitude and she just made me laugh from the beginning. Then she grows as a character and really starts becoming more responsible and thinks more of others. Theta is impossible not to love, especially after you find out her story. I felt so bad for her, but through it all she is a strong, independent female character. Sam is the good "bad" boy of  the book, how can I not love him? Jericho is a complicated  character and it took awhile for me to like him. He's another character who has been through a lot and knows that he could lose everything at any time. He's a great guy and clearly loves Evie! There are also many other characters, but it's really not that confusing once you meet them all!

Overall, The Diviners is a great story that just pulls you into the era. It's a bit disturbing in some parts (the murders are a little gross) but Libba Bray brings the 1920's to life for you. There is just the right amount of mystery and the romance isn't right in your face (it's barely there even). There is a paranormal aspect, but it's not overdone like it sometimes can be. It was a refreshing read for me that left me wanting more. Although it's a little slow to start out, it's necessary to know the characters individual stories. It's a great read that I will definitely be recommending to others!  If you like historical fiction with a touch of paranormal and mystery, this one is for you!

Review: This Dark Endeavour by Kenneth Oppel

This Dark Endeavour
(The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein #1)

Author: Kenneth Oppel

Publication Date: August 22nd, 2011

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers

Genre: Historical Fiction / Fantasy

---

Synopsis:

Victor and Konrad are the twin brothers Frankenstein. They are nearly inseparable. Growing up, their lives are filled with imaginary adventures...until the day their adventures turn all too real. They stumble upon The Dark Library, and secret books of alchemy and ancient remedies are discovered. Father forbids that they ever enter the room again, but this only peaks Victor's curiosity more. When Konrad falls gravely ill, Victor is not be satisfied with the various doctors his parents have called in to help. He is drawn back to The Dark Library where he uncovers an ancient formula for the Elixir of Life. Elizabeth, Henry, and Victor immediately set out to find assistance in a man who was once known for his alchemical works to help create the formula.

Determination and the unthinkable outcome of losing his brother spur Victor on in the quest for the three ingredients that will save Konrads life. After scaling the highest trees in the Strumwald, diving into the deepest lake caves, and sacrificing one’s own body part, the three fearless friends risk their lives to save another.

My Thoughts: Oh how I love Kenneth Oppel's writing. I haven't read a whole lot by him, but what I have read, I loved. Also, he's a Canadian author, eh? Sorry, had to say it. I'm so guilty of saying it all the time. He is just an awesome author and his words have a way of sucking me into the story. Needless to say, I had heard a lot of great things about this book, so I had to read it. I wasn't disappointed in the least. It was amazing and had me hooked from the beginning.

This Dark Endeavour is about a teenaged Victor Frankenstein and his twin brother, Konrad. It's told from Victor's perspective and Oppel does great showing how he has a little resentment for his brother. He was the second one born, he's always second in everything. Kanrad is just so much more likeable than Victor. Then Konrad falls ill and is close to death, Victor will stop at nothing to save his twin. He finds a recipes for the Elixir of Life and knows that's what he needs to save Konrad. With the help of their friends and an old Alchemist, Victor begins his dabbling with alchemy to save his brother.

I loved Victor as a character, he is a little scary sometimes, but only because he is so passionate about what he wants. He works hard to achieve what comes naturally to Konrad, although when he discovers he has feelings for Elizabeth and that Konrad has beaten him there as well, it becomes too much for Victor. You would think that he wouldn't want to help save Konrad after that, but brotherly love wins out every time for him. Victor has such amazing determination, it's hard not to sympathize with him.

Without giving away any spoilers, I cannot believe how this book ended, it was a hug shock for me and I wasn't expecting it at all!! Needless to say, I will definitely be picking up a copy of Such Wicked Intent as soon as possible to see what happens nexxt, I really need to know!! And yes, there is a bit of a love triangle going on in the series, but I don't think it will prevail ;) I highly recommend giving this series a try if you haven't already. It's a great read!

Review: Lost Girls by Ann Kelley

Lost Girls

Author: Ann Kelley

Publication Date: July 10th, 2012

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre: Historical Fiction / Survival / Realistic Fiction

---

Synopsis:

No parents. No rules. No way home. Fourteen-year-old Bonnie MacDonald couldn't be more excited for a camping trip on an island off the coast of Thailand with her fellow Amelia Earhart Cadets-the daughters of the men and women stationed there during the Vietnam War. But when a strong current deposits the girls on what their boatman calls the "forbidden island," things take a turn for the worse: A powerful storm comes to destroy their campsite, the smallest of the junior cadets is found dead, and their boatman never returns. What once seemed like a vacation in paradise has become a battle against the elements. Peppered with short, frantic entries from Bonnie's journal, Lost Girls is a page-turning, heart-pounding adventure story about a group of teen girls fighting for their lives.

My Thoughts: >I'm honestly not sure how to categorize this book in genre. It has nothing to do with the book itself, it was actually a really, really good story and I really enjoyed reading it. But it's based in the 1970's, so that would make it historical fiction, right? Apparently it's also based off of true events and it is entirely possible that this could happen either way, so that would make it realistic ficton, right? Then it's a fight for survival, so it's pretty easy to label it as a survival book. I just have to come to  the conclusion that it's all of these, besides, most books are a mixture of genres now anyways.

Ann Kelley has shown me a  tropical world and how harsh it can be. I really felt sorry for Bonnie and the other girls in Lost Girls. They were all excited to go on a camping trip, but then there is a  storm and they get swept far past their target campground and to a supposedly "forbidden" island. Then on their first night there, there is a storm that was probably a hurricane and they lose the first girl. It was even more disheartening when they discovered  that the boatman crashed on the rocks and never made it back, so no one knows where they are. The entire story is a battle against the elements and dangers of the rain forest, and there are many. The girls have to think of a way to survive and find enough food, water and shelter. Their guide has given up hope and spends all of her time drinking and getting high. What can they do when the only adult isn't sober enough to help out?

I have to say that I really liked the writing style of this book. It's littered with journal entries from Bonnie's (the protagonists) journal. So we get to see exactly how she feels about the situation and others and her desperate wishes of rescue. I found it relatively fast-paced, although there were a few slower parts, I managed to get through  this book in a day. Having read Lord of  the Flies, I was making comparisons. It was hard not to. And while they are very similar books, they are both very different and have their own elements that keep you guessing about what will happen next. Lost Girls even referenced Lord of the Flies a couple of times. I did end up feeling a connection with Bonnie, so I was always hoping for rescue for her. So that was another thing about the writing I enjoyed, I like to be able to feel with the characters, and I definitely could in  this one.

So is this a book you should read? I think so. It's a good read about survival, and based off of truth, so more bonus points there. I think if you've read and enjoyed Lord of  the Flies, that you will probably enjoy this one as well. Or if you just like realistic fiction and stories about survival. So yes, this is a book that I recommend, you should read it. Have you ever read anything similar that you think I should read? I'm really enjoying these types of books at the moment.

Teaser Tuesday (5)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme by MizB at Should be Reading.

To participate you:

- Grab your current read.

-Open to a random page

-Share two 'teaser' sentences from somewhere on that page.

-BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS

-Share the Title and Author, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR if they like your teaser :)

This week's teaser comes from:

Stonehenge by Bernard Cornwell

'Camaban had gone to Cathallo to learn. He had been alone for years, scavenging a thin living beyond Ratharryn's embankment, and in those years he had listened to the voices in his head and he had thought about what they told him. Now he wanted to test that knowledge against the world's other wisdom, and no one was wiser than Sannas, sorceress of Cathallo, and so Camaban listened.'

I'm roughly halfway through the book at this point, and I am really enjoying it so far! It's taking me longer to read because the font is very small and there's lots of words on one page, but I don't mind when the story is good. I think if you are a fan of historical fiction that you will enjoy this one! :D 

Review: Interrupted by Rachel Coker

Interrupted: A Life Beyond Words

Author: Rachel Coker

Publication Date: February 14th, 2012

Publisher: Zondervan

Genre: Historical Fiction / Christian Fiction

---

Synopsis:

Can love really heal all things? If Sam Carroll hadn't shown up, she might have been able to get to her mother in time. Instead, Allie Everly finds herself at a funeral, mourning the loss of her beloved mother. She is dealt another blow when, a few hours later, she is sent from Tennessee to Maine to become the daughter of Miss Beatrice Lovell, a prim woman with a faith Allie cannot accept. Poetry and letters written to her mother become the only things keeping Allie's heart from hardening completely. But then Sam arrives for the summer, and with him comes many confusing emotions, both toward him and the people around her. As World War II looms, Allie will be forced to decide whether hanging on to the past is worth losing her chance to be loved.

My Thoughts: I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this book. It was a quick read, I felt like I was breezing my way through it. I enjoyed that it was historical fiction and it is well written, but maybe I somehow missed the hint that it was a religious book? It actually didn't seem very religious until the end, so that was ok. But it made it seem like you can't be happy without being religious. Well, I'm happy enough in my life I think, but I'm not a Christian, I'm not an Atheist either though. So I just read it and didn't put much thought into the religion.

I guess what I disliked the most about the story was Alcyone (Allie). I just didn't like her character. I realize now that it was purposely written that way so that she could find God, but she just really made me mad sometimes. Yes, her mother died. That's sad, she had no one else but was lucky enough to get adopted. I'm not sure if there were orphanages in the 40s, but good luck finding someone who will adopt a teenage daughter in this day and age. And yet she was completely ungrateful and spiteful toward everyone who wanted to give her love. So she brought all her misery on herself because she didn't want another mother, or any one to love her. She was this way until 75% into the book, then you see some emotion, only for her to clam up for another 10-15%. So even when she opened up, I still didn't really like her because of how she hurt everyone throughout the book.

Then there was Sam. Sam, who I honestly thought was too good for Allie, but you can't choose who you fall in love with. Sam was my favorite character because he was so nice and did his best not to let others get him down. I was sad for him, and then happy for him in the end.

Overall it was an ok read. I enjoyed the storyline, if not Allie. Would I recommend it? Probably not, unless you are someone who really enjoys coming to age stories with a religious tone. The writing style is great, but I just couldn't like Allie, and since the story revolved around her.. But still, I didn't hate it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Zondervan for the review copy

Review: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Grave Mercy
(His Fair Assassin #1)

Author: Robin LaFevers

Publication Date: April 3rd 2012

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Genre: Historical Fiction

---

Synopsis:

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

My Thoughts: What do you get when you add historical fiction, romance and assassins? A kick butt, awesome story that I loved, that's what! Grave Mercy was a great read that I was unable to put down. If you are a fan of historical fiction, you should definitely give this book a read.

One of the things I liked the most about this story was Ismae, she is such a strong person after all of the years of abuse that she had to put up with. Although, it doesn't help her love men. Once she is rescued and sent to the convent, she harbours a great hatred for men even and doesn't trust them at all. When she is sent on her mission with Duval, she thinks it will be easy, but she couldn't be more wrong. Sometimes you just need the right man to make you realize that not all men are awful. So will she warm up to Duval, can she trust him? She certainly doesn't want to!

The romance in Grave Mercy isn't really shoved in your face. You know it's there, but it's a cute type of romance with a girl trying to figure out her first crush. Duval is a very nice guy, although he doesn't trust Ismae right away, she is an assassin after all! She doesn't trust him either. Can they get past these things and find love?

As for the basic storyline, all we know is that there is a traitor who is close to the duchess, Ismae and Duval must figure out who the traitor is before it's too late. The French is invading and there is a lot of arguments over who the duchess should be made to marry. Once Ismae see how things work, she begins to doubt her convents orders, is it possible they've made mistakes? Can she carry out these orders as she used to? What happens when you begin to question' Mortain's will? 

An overall page turning adventure, where you don't know who to trust. Grave Mercy was an exciting read full of deceit, murder and love. There are so many chapters that left off on cliffhangers that I couldn't put the book down. Although it is a bit long compared to the "normal" young adult novel, it's an excellent read. I definitely recommend this novel to anyone who likes a good kick butt heroine, romance and a bit of history. LaFevers made an awesome debut novel and I will definitely be watching out for more from her in the future! 

Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy!

 

Review: The Académie by Susanne Dunlap

The Académie

Author: Susanne Dunlap

Publication Date: February 28th, 2012

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Genre: Historical Fiction

---

Synopsis:

Eliza Monroe-daughter of the future president of the United States-is devastated when her mother decides to send her to boarding school outside of Paris. But the young American teen is quickly reconciled to the idea when-ooh, la-la!-she discovers who her fellow pupils will be: Hortense de Beauharnais, daughter of Josephine Bonaparte; and Caroline Bonaparte, youngest sister of the famous French general. It doesn't take long for Eliza to figure out that the two French girls are mortal enemies-and that she's about to get caught in the middle of their schemes.

My Thoughts: I love reading historical fiction, and this book didn't disappoint me. I started reading it and I couldn't stop. It's not full of action and drama, but it was interesting to me. I learned more from this book than I did in my grade 11 history class (my teacher did pretty much nothing). It's a good look into how an all girls school might have been in that era.